Briefly In Business

Jewelry gallery grand opening set

Silver Blue & Gold, a gallery of contemporary studio jewelry, will hold a grand opening from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday at 1492 S. Coast Hwy.

Curated by Laguna Beach jeweler Karin Worden, Silver Blue & Gold features the designs of a select group of internationally recognized jewelers from the United States and Europe. “Studio jewelry” refers to jewelry designed by an individual artist and created one piece at a time in his or her studio, according to the gallerist.

The gallery will feature live appearances by represented jewelers, each of whom will bring an extended collection of their work. The visiting jeweler will be available for discussion and demonstrations. Meeting the artists in person gives the client an opportunity to discuss custom designs or have the perfect piece selected. The first visiting jeweler is Natasha Wozniak, here from Brooklyn, N.Y., and showing her collection from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Silver Blue & Gold also houses the studio of Karin Worden Jewelry, previously in the Laguna Canyon Artists complex.

Alongside handcrafted white oak display cases sits Worden’s jeweler’s bench, where visitors are able to see the tools of trade and watch the processes used in contemporary goldsmithing.

Silver Blue & Gold is in the historic Art Center, designed in the 1930s to house artist’s studios and galleries, giving artists a place to work as well as a to exhibit “” a tradition that Silver Blue & Gold will continue.

The gallery is open from 11 to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday and by appointment.

For more information, visit silverblueandgold.com.

Businesses to recycle food waste

Waste Management of Orange County will begin a new pilot program to divert some 420 tons of food waste from local landfills monthly.

The program is in partnership with the city of Mission Viejo and includes businesses in nearby cities, including the Montage Resort in Laguna Beach.

Last year, Mission Viejo submitted the food waste recycling proposal to the OC Waste & Recycling department of Orange County, which approved the $400,000 grant pilot program.

Waste Management will install high-tech recycling machines at select businesses in Mission Viejo, Laguna Beach and Irvine, as well as in Las Flores and Ladera Ranch.

“Food waste is a major contributor to landfill deposits so we’re excited to be part of this pilot program that will really help our cities meet their sustainability goals,” said David Ross of Waste Management of Orange County. “What makes food waste recycling so appealing is its wide-reaching positive impact.

“The diversion rate is 100% and the waste can be transformed into a valuable resource such as compost for farmers and landscapers.

“It also cuts collection frequency, which ultimately reduces fuel use and green house emissions.”

According to a study performed by the California Integrated Waste Management Board, food waste in Orange County accounts for more than 50% of waste disposed for restaurants, hotels and banquet facilities, and other food-related businesses.

“Unlike conventional food waste processing that may require weeks or even months to achieve a reusable end-product, the technology we will supply our cities requires only a day of processing from start to finish,” Ross said.

Through a dehydration process, the food waste will be reduced to 90% of its original volume leaving a small amount of nutrient-rich material.

This material will be reused in compost, soil amendment or high British thermal unit fuel for waste-to-energy application.

For more information, visit www.wmorangecounty.com and www.thinkgreen.com.

LaBohn Memorial planned for May 17

The sixth annual Dave LaBohn Memorial Spring Classic Charity Golf Tournament will be at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club in Mission Viejo on May 17. The cost is $175 including golf, Spring Classic golf shirt, T-prizes, lunch and dinner. Dinner guests are $35.

All proceeds will go to the Laguna Beach High School girls’ and boys’ golf teams, Laguna Beach Community Clinic, the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach, Pacific Marine Mammal Center, the senior center and the Resource Center.

To reserve a spot, send a check payable to Spring Classic Golf Tournament to 214 Ocean Ave., Laguna Beach, CA 92651. Check and entry forms must be received no later than May 7.

Sponsorships are available and silent auction items are being sought from local retailers.

For more information, call the Marine Room Tavern at (949) 494-3027.